Rebels tighten control of Mali's north

Ansar Dine says it is ready to fight Malian army if it tries to recapture areas under their control.

11 Jun 2012 05:27 GMT

The Malian rebel group Ansar Dine says it is ready to fight off any military attempt to end their control of the country's north. The group is increasingly dominant there, having declared an independent union with the largely secular Tuareg fighters earlier this year.

But Ansar Dine is facing opposition from locals. It is estimated that more than 300,000 residents have fled since the region was seized. Those who remain face increasingly assertive rebels, and an increasingly tumultuous future.